Trimming for a higher Yield

[Rusty Trichome]

I wouldnt cut off all of them, just the lower ones, that already arnt getting much light because of shadows.

Fans and lower leaves are the plants mobile nutrient/micronutrient/hormone storehouse. (they store the mobile elements for use as needed by the plant) If your nutrient regimen is spot-on, not much to worry about. But if you are a beginner just eeking-out a struggling garden...it is recommended you leave them alone.

This is logical, with the exception of wasting time. If the plant diverted energy away from growing the unused branches, it would go to its growth.

You can pay her now, or pay her later. Every leaf you remove...every branch you cull, removes another little piece of the plant's energy storehouse. Plus, she can take up to two weeks to recover, depending on how much you've butchered her, and if her needs are being met during recovery.
You've already topped her, right? So now you want to "bottom" her also...? What next, removing all the interior leaves and shoots, too?

Do a side-by-side, see what results you prefer. Perhaps you like stunted plants.

I am not so convinced. At this time in its life, it doesnt even have pre-flowers yet, so it would not stunt their growth.

<sigh> If all you want to do is argue...then do whatever makes you comfortable. You've been offered links and tips to help you make the right choice.

However, this is just playing off of my logic, not prior experience.

We are offering you assistance using both. :jointsmile:

Rusty Trichome Reviewed by Rusty Trichome on 03-15-2009. Trimming for a higher Yield 25 days into my grow, it occured to me that I may increase the yield or growth speed by trimming. On the main stem, at each node, there are 4 branches, 2 sets of 2. The Bottom branch of each set reaches out to form a set of leaves, and thats it. The top branch forms many sets of new leaves, new branches, and a site from which to eventually bud. My question, should i cut the bottom branches, so what is left is the fruiting branch, so energy is diverted from the bottom branches to the Rating: 5